Cecil Lee

Can I help you in selecting your new home?

More illustrations: One can also do a search in this forum for "roof poison arrow" etc.. to find more resources on the above. This forum is the oldest verifiable forum in the WWW

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This illustration shows that a unit parallel to the roof-line is affected by the poison arrow. And not the lower floors with windows highligted in yellow:-

An example depiction of a Sha Qi or negative energy directed at a unit's window can be seen in this illustration. 1. Treating this as the living room window(s) can be particularly challenging, especially if drawing the curtains constantly is not an option. 2. Another potential issue arises when a poison arrow is directed towards a window(s) in the form of a triangle, depending on the design of the roof apex or tip.

Good morning. I would like to introduce Mr. Lee who has been consulting for me for the last 6-7 years.

Standing inside the unit looking out of a unit's open can see the horizontal roof line "slicing" into a home is inauspicious. However if one draw down say the day curtain: the concept is "if it is not seen, it is longer a threat applies". But if this is the to the living room windows, harder to cure given that one cannot always draw down the curtains be it day or night curtains 24/7. Anything higher than this roof line is Okay or no issue provided the school does not have a school TOWER clock (directly) facing the unit. Fortunately, school Tower clocks nowadays are rare unless it is one of those schools with a long history....

Part 5: Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System or PWCS is another consideration when trying to select a "choice" unit. 1. In the August 2018 BTO sale, another Punggol HDB estate also spots this similar type of Bin Centre. 2. Again, do avoid a unit with it's frontage directly looking at this Bin Centre or near-by to it. 3. By right, this practise was popular with HDB flats that T.O.P. in the 1970's and 1980's. But then it was manual collection from each Block/stack and brought to this holding area awaiting the bin trucks to off-load the rubbish into these trucks. 4. However, it seems that similar to several recent condos/ECs, this HDB development also uses "Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System" = PWCS. Thus the need to have this ONE-STOP collection point. Location: The Venue condo:- 5.1. And unlike the regular manual clearing of rubbish, this type of bins at each block has lots of CAUTIONS. For example the above signs shows there are 12 things to take note of. 5.2. If I remembered vaguely, at The Venue, the last time I visited this condo, the Managing Agent placed a notice to remind residents "TO BE GENTLE" to this system! 5.3. Although it saves on productivity; again, this very much depends on residents co-operation. Else, this system is a huge burden especially to clear the "STUCK" waste! 6. If I were to purchase a unit here, I would consider this as part of my decision making. Unless the Town Council reduces the conservancy charges in line with this savings. But if the maintenance fee is no change from other developments without this PWCS, hmm...... P.S. An earlier BTO launch also has a similar Bin centre as HDB Tampines GreenGem. This development is called HDB Punggol Point Woods BTO launched in August 2018:-

Part 4: Such block layout designs may inadvertently create Sha Qi or Poison arrow of neighbouring block aimed towards it's neighbour. Please note that I merely did a sampling. And this is not exhaustive. Can you spot similar poison arrows in this site?

Matches the description I provided earlier: Young, first-time homeowner...

Part 3: High floors preferred to avoid direct view into the Precinct Pavilion (PP) and/or prayers/chants/send--off during funerals/wakes. 1. Although the planners of this estate correctly place the two PPs at the edge of two opposing sides, however, around14 or more low floor stacks/units may be affected by such placements of PP. 2. One cannot control such activities or discourage such "activities" during one's festive occasion such as on Chinese New Year etc... 3. The above is not exhaustive as some other LOW FLOOR stacks/units like #115, #125, #175 & #187 may also be affected by "noise pollution" whenever there may be activities of the above nature at either of the PPs.

Part 4: Many 2nd time home buyers often try to avoid purchasing an "afternoon" sun home even if they are West Group persons. Is this true? 1. Yes, if given the choice I understand many who are aware of their previous stay in a west facing home would try to avoid their past experience. As this is long term of 5 years or more. 2. Under Common sense also, especially on a sunny day: from afternoon to even evening (walls soaked with heat and oozing out even as late as 7.30pm.. when one comes home.. the home can be pretty hot. Not possible for all to turn on the air-con throughout the evening.) 3. Many school children nowadays go to school in the morning and by noon onwards, while the adults spent time e.g. in a cool office, the children would end up feeling hot and sweaty in the home. Worse if they were suppose to concentrate on their study. Again, not possible to turn on aircon all day.. given the high costs of electricity bill for many. 4. Can also affect resale value. I know of many young first resale home owners when viewing a unit; the owners resorted to turning on the aircon to mask the heat. Thus when these young couples, got hold of the keys to their new (resale) home; they were in for a rude shock. Of having to endure a "hot" greenhouse type of home! 5. Perhaps, West Group persons may try instead to check the suitability of NE facing homes etc... 6. Another common sense consideration is the affects of UV rays on a person. Good news for Chinese is that we have "yellow skin pigments" while Malays and Indians have brownish skins. Darker skins were found to be better protected against skin cancer. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays suh as from the afternoon sun can have long term effects on our eyes .. such as catracts (or more pronounced had we not being exposed too frequently to)especally when one gets older..

Part 3: HDB Plantation Grove's two Precinct Pavilions (PP) 1. The architect did a fabulous job in the allocation of the two precinct pavilions. Given that this is a huge estate with combined total of 1620 units. 2. The Two Pavilions are shown in pink. While three stacks highlighted in bright yellow is facing the PP = #507, 509 & 511. While a fourth = #505 is at an acute angle's view and less of a concern. 2.1. The green stack closer to Tengah Drive #25 does not face the PP but best that low floors be avoided as it is directly beside the PP. And often, especially for Chinese funerals, prayers, chants and send off music could be heard quite loud. 3. This confirms that the architect/planner of this estate can be considered an "old bird" and most likely either loves the conservative style of or is usually in his (a male) aged 40 years and above. As such layouts often do not appeal to the younger architect. 4. Bunching all stacks so closely would often mean that many "inward" looking stacks/units that are not the top floors would often not have to bear with long periods of extended afternoon sun soaking into it's walls/ frontage.

Part 4: Common sense = Yio Chu Kang is a major road, expect traffic noise and stop-go bus noise. Thus either avoid purchasing a unit, here or often as high as 9th storey or above (if possible) 1. For those who prefer "peace and quite" inner stacks/units are preferred. 2. The 402B Block arrangement does little to help to ease the traffic noise as Stacks 227/229 together with stacks 223/225 helps to funnel noise towards the rear of these units including up to the main door of 219/221. 2.1 It looks more like a gramaphone's mouth where if sound can be "broadcast out"; the opposite is true that it can also instead funnel sound inwards. 2.2 It also kind of look like our EAR. Where sound or noise is collected and amplified within this central chamber. Luckily this is not Hitler's Germany. Else, the architect could have been strung by the thinnest piano wire... during that era.

Part 3: Does the Drainage Reserve (DR) affect the Feng Shui of the development? 1. Yes, if the Drainage Reserve is open. But if the DR is totally covered, not a concern. Above: Direct view of the (if open) drainage = Stacks 209, 2011, 227 & 229. Indirect view = Stacks 207, 213 & 219 P.S. I am very familiar with this location. In fact, construction work has actively started on-site. And at present, don't seem to see an open Drainage. Hope that it remains covered like that of another recent launched site EastGlen @ Canberra site.

Part 2: The area around HDB Fernvale Acres has an interesting past. 1. Jalan Kayu Road was the gateway towards Seletar East & West Camp. Whenever army vehicles past through this "yellow" stretch, one can start to have the distinctive smells of pig rearing. In the 1970's to 1980's Seletar Camp was host to : School of Combat Engineers, School of Driver Training. And School of Manpower Management = where I was trained as a reservist Chief Clerk under the G2 or S2 branch of the armed forces. 2. There was once a small HDB satellite town with only Four Blocks of low rise flats. Surprisingly, there was a market, a food court, Mcdonalds, the usual 4D outlet, an aquarium shop; Post Office, POSBank branch, UOB branch and lots of other sundry shops within this estate. 2.1. Unfortunately around 2009, this estate was torn down and re-developed as The Greenwich. 3. In PINK: Around 2001, the government gave the approval to re-name Jalan Woodbridge as Gerald Drive so that a new condo there could be sold by MCL land. Else, who wants to have an address as Block 100 Jalan Woodbridge ? In Singapore? 4. In the future, there is a plan to have a link road between Yio Chu Kang Road to Lorong Buangkok . This is a plus for residents living near-by. If so, Lorong Buangkok leads directly towards the start of entry into KPE leading towards the city. 5. The rich history of that area includes: Kampong Tongkang Pechah and Jalan Tongkang Pechah. Today, this village and Lorong all but disappeared. The reason for this name is in the past, old Tongkangs (wooden work/carrier boats) that were no longer usable were simply discarded at the tip of this river. Thus it's name. 6. Another interesting fact is that Singapore's last Kampong: Kampong Lorong Buangkok is for now still there = Off the cycling path. There is also a narrow concrete bridge as a marker towards the cycyling path. 7. Fernvale Acres is in the past considered as at the fringe of the Seletar Farmway land. 8. For those new to Sengkang: Blocks starting with 100 = Rivervale; 200 = Compassvale; 300 = Anchorvale. While Fernvale takes on (to some) the less appealing Block 400's. (The first three estates takes on a Maritime time. Hmm.. Fernvale? not much I guess. 9. No promises, according to one MRT visionary chart, it lists a "Neram" MRT station. And I am guessing that the only available plot of land is between what I had written in Blue to the upper stretch of Yio Chu Kang. My guess? Could be around the junction of Yio CHu Kang and Jalan Kayu. CAUTION: Please don't take my words on this. As anything can change OR I may be off the mark on this! CAVEAT EMPTOR! Thus I am not liable for any misinformation! Your guess is as good as mine! Or none-at all! 10. If one has the time can read these links to understand where the ground zero of Woodbridge Hospital was in the past. And also 11. This is 2018's street directory map of the area: 11.1 The Jalan Kayu Joint Temple (directly 12 O'clock high) beside Fernvale Lodge is not an issue. 11.2 According to the proposed blue print, stations are: Jalan Kayu, Neram and 7 0'clock below this map is Travistock. Thus in my opinion, the future Seletar MRT perhaps will not stray too far off from this Jalan Kayu / Yio Chu Kang junction. Perhaps, may be the station could be at Begonia Park. Which is less than 1Km from this site. Again, your guess is as good as mine!

Part 5: Where are the location of the bins (recycle & common) in my block? 1. If possible, try to give these two stacks/units a miss:- Stack #346 = Unit Kitchen wall next to bin lobby and close-by to the main door. #308 = Main Door facing a bin. 2. How about also giving this stack/unit a miss? If you can? 3330 = Unit close-by to the bins.

Part 4: Steer clear of low floor units facing or nearby to the Precinct Pavilion (PP). 1. As this develop has only 310 units, there is only one Precinct Pavilion. 2. One cannot control the activities within the PP especially funerals and on one's auspicious festive holidays like Chinese New Year. 3. If possible, avoid purchasing low floor units that either overlook into the PP or nearby to it. 3.1 Stacks #340 and #330 = low floors over looking into the PP. 3.2 Stacks #328, #332 and #350 nearby to the PP.

Question: I am planning to buy a new flat around middle of next year, but do not know how big the flat will be yet. How should I go about seeking your advice on my suitable flat facing directions first? Reply: Frankly, flat facing direction is but one of the many considerations: Depending on your strategy, you can consider one of these three options:- Where all your considerations will be looked at to finding your best homes.

Part 3: Should we be too concerned with the drainage on this plot of land? 1. Normally, if the drainage is not covered, the Shapes and Forms: Water Classics applies especially to the yellow highlighted stacks. 2. Here, we need to carefully understand: a. The drainage flow direction b. Flow rate like? Gentle or Fast. (Of course, affected by the seasons: rainy or dry season) 3. Since the site plan indicates: "Drainage Reserve" Covered, then this is fine or okay or no issue. 4. Common sense (not really Feng Shui, here) is that if the soil beside the drainage is always damp; and if there is no termite treatment; there is a high chance of a termite infestation of homes near-by to this canal.

Part 2: Old school Courtyard style Traditional layout for Highrise Living 1. Traditional homes and even palaces such as the forbidden city has this style of a courtyard style layout plan. 2. In Singapore, the earliest examples are that of Outram Park and Block 3 and 4 Queens Road that house the famous West Lake Eating House @ 4 Queens Road. 2.1 This is the combined Block 3 and 4 layout. Where the 1st level is the carpark. While 2nd storey holds the open space / air-wells and shops:- Above: The above design looks much like either a floating boat or an aircraft carrier don't you think so? 3. The 1st Phase of HDB Punngol Estate in the early 2000's also spot a variant of this type of roof-top (court-yard style) design:- 3.1 Above: Outlined in RED are six distinctive blocks: where the stacks/units either face outwards or inwards. For stacks/units facing inwards; instead of looking at a barren Multi-storey Car Park (MSCP's) roof-top where an additional car park space, these blocks end up with their own gardens built on-top of the roof. (Such as Blocks 101, 107, 109, 174 etc...) 3.2 In fact, even today, new generation of HDB flats carry on with this concept. Thus even if one's unit is facing inwards, one would have a lovely view of the landscaped garden. And not be greeted with cars on the roof-top rolling (while the occupants within trying to make-love). Or recently, a few couples were caught doing some monkey business "up-there"! Perhaps, they were only following our Dear Minister's advice on making babies ... ? 4. Sea Horizon condo also sports a variant of this (more classier) design where it resembles that of a floating "obese air-craft carrier" or vaguely resemble that of a luxury cruise ship:- 4.1. Units looking inwards can have a commanding view and also don't seem to be too close to the opposite block. As well as enjoy open space even if it is not just one level:- 4.2. Another mega condo development: The Interlace also is considered a city within a city as the level 1 is one huge flat platform deck. While the basement car park is right below it. Last I was there, the guards had to use an electric buggy to move-around. 5. Thus one can say that there are certain advantages with such a concept that was time tested since ancient times. (Then homes were low rise and landed properties). 6. Another advantage is that such a roof-top or courtyard brings with it a good place to rear toddlers and kids. As one do not need to venture out of the estate; the child usually have adequate space to .... and such a place is so public with many units "keeping" an eye on it that one may perhaps feel adequately secure, here. Even if there is a sudden change of weather, one can easily run into shelter in a matter of minutes.

Wishing good luck in your coming balloting??

Photos taken on 13 November 2018